The Al-Ahli Memorial Library's eighth floor, known as the House of Wisdom, holds a special place in the heart of librarian Tamara Masri. Here, amidst the quiet circle of glass and the beauty of people working, she shares the stories of this remarkable place and the lives intertwined within it.

Discover the Stories within the House of Wisdom

Inside the House of Wisdom - A Place of Beauty and Stories

This is the eighth floor of the Al-Ahli Memorial Library, a haven for Tamara Masri. When the elevator door opens, it's like stepping into a world of tranquility. As they walk, she whispers, for this is a place where people are engaged in various activities - reading, writing, and drawing. It truly is a beautiful place to work, and she considers herself the luckiest librarian in the world.Let's begin on the east side, overlooking the city's skyline. Tamara counts five kites in the air. Moving to the west side, the sunset's candy colors mixed with the blue sea remind her of Rukab ice cream. She watches the windsurfers zigzagging around the fishing boats and sees a girl washing a white horse on the shore.Although the room appears circular from the inside, the outside of the building resembles a spiral. The architect was inspired by a single helix reaching up to heaven. The design came to her in a dream where an angel told her to rebuild the House of Wisdom, the Grand Library of Baghdad during the Abbasid era. The angel said that their dark times were over and the golden age had begun. And here they are, sixty years later.Sixty years ago, this was a destroyed hospital where many lives were lost. No books or beautiful buildings could bring them back. But this library was built to honor their lives and the sacrifices they made for liberation.Every day when Tamara comes to work, she has a morning ritual. She goes straight to the "Oversized" section in the middle of the room, where there are at least fifty Tribunal Volumes. She picks one at random and reads for a few minutes, remembering the names and stories. She prays.Before moving on, visitors are welcome to explore the "INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE; VOLUME FIVE". The transcript of proceedings on July 10, 2034, reveals a touching story. Dr. Sufyan al Bursh records the birth of a baby girl, the daughter of the martyr Sabreen al Sakani. The baby was born slightly underweight and one week premature but otherwise healthy. The memory stick with this recording will be attached to the patient.Dr. Sufyan shares his personal thoughts with the baby. He describes the scene at the shore under the white tarp, with the baby sleeping in her incubator, hooked up to a generator. He hopes the baby will know that such moments can exist. He recalls seeing the baby as a small mound in her mother's belly and the struggle he had between saving her and leaving her in the warmth.When the baby was born, she was blue like a guppy. Everything was silent, and it felt like they were at the bottom of the sea. But then came the first breath, and small ribs began to move in his palm like a wave. A nurse shouted "Miracle!" and his hands were shaking as he held the baby's open eyes.Later, a new mother was found to feed the baby. But there are concerns about the availability of food and medicine. Dr. Sufyan imagines sending the baby off into the water towards a light or backwards into paradise. He struggles with doubt and weakness, wondering if bringing the baby into the world was the right thing to do.Tamara's brother Adnan was a surgeon at Al-Shifa Hospital. He was killed when the hospital was attacked. Dr. Sufyan recorded the death date and continues to fight for his patients and the baby.The explosions start again, and Dr. Sufyan ends the recording with a final message. A family tree is made from nasl and asl. Nasl is lineage, and asl is origin. The enemy can cut the branches and the trunk, but they cannot stop the seed from sprouting. Tamara comes to the House of Wisdom every morning to remember the stories and pray.About the Author: Tamara Masri is a writer from Ramallah, Palestine. She studied anthropology at Tufts University and holds a master's degree in evolutionary biology from Imperial College London. In 2024, she attended the Clarion Writers' Workshop. Her work has been featured in Hypocrite Reader, 3 Quarks Daily, and +972 Magazine.Please visit LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE to read more great science fiction and fantasy. This story first appeared in the December 2024 issue, which also features short fiction by Melissa A Watkins, Lincon Michel, Pat Murphy, Cressida Blake Roe, Adam-Troy Castro, David Anaxagoras, Gene Doucette, and more. You can wait for this month's contents to be serialized online, or you can buy the whole issue right now in convenient ebook format for just $4.99, or subscribe to the ebook edition here.Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

The California State Prison, Corcoran, recently witnessed a significant gathering of its management team for Administrator of the Day (AOD) training. This annual event holds great importance as it focuses on outdoor activities during the training period. Through these engaging activities, a sense of camaraderie is built among the management team as they participate in friendly competitions at the range. Additionally, they enjoyed a delicious meal together. The management team firmly believes that the culture of leadership begins with them, and the team-building experiences they undergo will be effectively conveyed to other staff throughout the prison. As stated by the organizers, "When management shares common goals while maintaining cohesiveness among their staff, it promotes the mission of building teamwork and achieving success as one." Just as Henry Ford once said, "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

Uniting the California State Prison Management through AOD Training

Outdoor Activities and Team Bonding

During the AOD training at the California State Prison, Corcoran, the management team engaged in a variety of outdoor activities. These activities not only provided a break from their regular duties but also served as a platform for them to interact and build connections. Through friendly competitions at the range, they discovered the power of teamwork and how it can enhance their leadership skills. The sense of camaraderie developed during these activities will have a lasting impact on the prison's culture and the way they approach their work.Another aspect of the outdoor activities was the opportunity for the management team to relax and enjoy each other's company. Sharing a meal together further strengthened their bonds and created a more cohesive work environment. This emphasis on team building through outdoor activities is a crucial part of the prison's management strategy, as it helps to foster a sense of unity and purpose among the staff.

Leadership Culture and Its Impact

The management team at the California State Prison, Corcoran, understands the significance of leading by example. They recognize that the culture of leadership starts with them and that their actions and attitudes will set the tone for the entire prison. By participating in team-building activities and sharing common goals, they are able to demonstrate the importance of teamwork and collaboration. This leadership culture is then conveyed to other staff members throughout the prison, inspiring them to work together towards a common purpose.As the organizers emphasized, when management maintains cohesiveness among their staff, it promotes the mission of building teamwork and succeeding as one. This approach not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the prison's operations but also creates a more positive and supportive work environment. The management team's commitment to leadership and team building is a key factor in the success of the prison and its staff.

Training and Its Benefits

The AOD training at the California State Prison, Corcoran, is a valuable opportunity for the management team to enhance their skills and knowledge. Through various training sessions and activities, they gain a deeper understanding of leadership principles and strategies. This training equips them with the tools and techniques needed to effectively manage the prison and its staff.Moreover, the training helps to foster a continuous learning culture within the management team. They are encouraged to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in prison management and to apply them in their daily work. This commitment to learning and improvement ensures that the prison remains at the forefront of correctional practices and is able to provide the best possible services to its inmates.Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com. See more stories about CDCR facilities, training and jobs. See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff. Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.